Command-line method for nRF9160 (1) updating modem firmware, and (2) application firmware

[Jackson Wilson]

We are entering a pre-production phase where the contract manufacturer must program dozens of nRF9160 modules, and we would like to offer a command-line method, to simply the process as much as possible.

What are the appropriate nrfprog commands to issue directly, to update modem and application firmware for the nRF9160?

[Didrik Rokhaug]

Hi.

1. For modem upgrades, take a look at this answer by Peder: https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/55861/changes-in-upgrading-units-during-production/226488#226488

2. To program the application using nrfjprog, you can use the command nrfjprog -f NRF91 --sectorerase  --reset --program <your hex file>

Best regards,

Didrik

[Jackson Wilson]

Didrik:

Thanks for the answer regarding #2 (programming application).  That is exactly what we are looking for.

Regarding #1 (programming modem firmware), Peder's answer does not specify the CLI command, parameters, switches, and how to handle the fact that the v1.1 modem firmware (mfw_nrf9160_1.1.0) is a ZIP file with several included binaries.

Can you provide a more detailed command example for programming the modem firmware using the CLI?

Thanks,

--Jackson

[Didrik Rokhaug]

Hi, and sorry for the delay.

After looking into it some more, it seems like there has been some misunderstanding on my or Peder's end.

Instead of using nrfjprog to upgrade the modem, you should use a Python script based on pynrfjprog.

Sigurd provides such a script in this ticket: https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/53208/updating-nrf9160-modem-firmware-through-the-command-line

Sorry for the confusion, and best regards,

Didrik

[Jackson Wilson]

Didrik:

Thanks for the clarification.  I reached the same conclusion, and I have successfully installed and tested pynrfjprog for upgrading modem firmware to v1.1.0.  

This process is a bit cumbersome (full Python install + pynrfjprog module), but it does work.

Thanks,

Jackson